So with exams (almost) over, I've been a little more free to take on the Moscow nightlife. And boy is it lively! I will say, in my experiences out this semester, Moscow puts many East Coast cities to shame when it comes to things to do at night. Places of entertainment are usually open 24 hours (bowling alleys, movie theaters, cafes with live music, karaoke bars) and restaurants and clubs are usually open until 6-7am. Transportation around city is very cheap - never more than $15 to take a taxi anywhere in the city. After living in NY, and DC I was surprised to find a city with more life, options and possibilities.
Nightlife in Moscow and Moscow's restaurant scene is an important part of the modernization of Russia. Only six years ago, on my last trip to Russia, I would estimate that half of the restaurants, eateries, clubs and entertainment venues existed in Moscow. Not only is it a sign of the increased amount of expendable cash Muscovites (and on a smaller scale, Russians in general) have now, but it is also a large indicator of the continued Westernization here in Moscow. It's an odd thing to see as a student of politics, as we read about the anti-Western policies the Russian government is adopting at home and in their large-scale economic policies (aka - oil and other energy forms). Though political elite here in Russia are denouncing all things Western, nobody (except for those associated with oil) seems to actually be taking it seriously. In fact - I read last month that Starbucks is coming to Moscow next year (still haven't decided if this is a good or bad thing) and the teenagers and 20-somethings of Moscow take Western fashion, music and pop culture more seriously than even we do! (If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was taught as a subject here in grade school.) English language classes are amongst the hardest at MGIMO University, and they've just opened a Russia-European Studies College this past month. Now tell me, just how much is Russia trying to distance itself from the West?
Shams (Afghanistan), Mihao, Rosario (Spain), Gena (China)
Nightlife in Moscow and Moscow's restaurant scene is an important part of the modernization of Russia. Only six years ago, on my last trip to Russia, I would estimate that half of the restaurants, eateries, clubs and entertainment venues existed in Moscow. Not only is it a sign of the increased amount of expendable cash Muscovites (and on a smaller scale, Russians in general) have now, but it is also a large indicator of the continued Westernization here in Moscow. It's an odd thing to see as a student of politics, as we read about the anti-Western policies the Russian government is adopting at home and in their large-scale economic policies (aka - oil and other energy forms). Though political elite here in Russia are denouncing all things Western, nobody (except for those associated with oil) seems to actually be taking it seriously. In fact - I read last month that Starbucks is coming to Moscow next year (still haven't decided if this is a good or bad thing) and the teenagers and 20-somethings of Moscow take Western fashion, music and pop culture more seriously than even we do! (If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was taught as a subject here in grade school.) English language classes are amongst the hardest at MGIMO University, and they've just opened a Russia-European Studies College this past month. Now tell me, just how much is Russia trying to distance itself from the West?
Shams (Afghanistan), Mihao, Rosario (Spain), Gena (China)
Rosario and Denis (Russia/Ecuador) take a break from Russian and have a side-conversation in Spanish. Oh, how I love international friends!
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